Bernard Paul Wilson
February 8, 1949 to April 17, 2026
Obituary
To view the online Stream (Zoom) of Celebration of Life for Paul Wilson (Sunday, June 7, 1:15 NT): Please click on the following link:
Meeting ID: 757 7599 0353
Passcode: 758418
It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Bernard “Paul” Wilson in his home in Conception Bay South on April 17th, 2026 at the age of 77.
Born in 1949 in Hebburn, UK, Paul moved to Marystown, NL with his family in 1967 at the age of 18. In 1975, Paul moved to Corner Brook as part of the foundation of Memorial’s West Coast Regional College, renamed Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in 1979 and finally Grenfell Campus in 2010. “A real Grenfellow”, Paul remained a pillar of the Grenfell community for over 50 years, culminating in his appointment as Professor Emeritus in 2015 . As a professor, a counsellor, a member of senate, and a valued colleague and friend, he played a central role in making Grenfell the institution it is today.
Paul was a highly principled man with a strong sense of justice; he could always be counted on to voice his opinion and champion the causes he believed in, whatever opposition he might face. Beneath his stoic exterior, Paul felt very deeply and was fiercely dedicated to his close friends and family (whom he loved to playfully torment with his sarcastic humour). Paul was compassionate, gentle, inquisitive, dependable, wise, and always ready to provide sincere counsel in times of need. Above all, he was a proud and adoring parent; his was the definition of unconditional love.
Paul leaves behind his son McLennon and daughter-in-law Siann, his siblings and in-laws (Kevin and Madz, Margaret, Christine and John, Barbara and John, Michael and Hayley), and many dear friends including Roger and Nell Ozon (McLennon’s godparents), Don and Cheryl Downer, and Angela Baker. Paul is predeceased by his mother Teresa, his father Walter, his sister Maria, and his brothers-in-law Harry and Denis.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 7th at 1:15 PM at Memorial University (Gushue Hall, 9 Irwins Road, second floor mezzanine). The event will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person but wish to take part. To stay informed about the event, as well as to share any photos or memories of Paul, please contact McLennon at mclennon.wilson@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Plan International Canada, an organization to which Paul donated every year.
Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:15pm, Sunday June 7th
Memorial University (Gushue Hall, 9 Irwins Road, second floor mezzanine)
What a fellow! I enjoyed working and socializing with Paul during my 4 years at Grenfell in 1993-1997. He was an excellent colleague, good for a debate, fun to be around. He sure did love Grenfell and that was admirable. Sorry to hear of his passing……rest well sir, you were a force!
Deeply saddened to hear of Paul’s passing
Sincerest condolences to you all
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time
May the Lord hold him close in hand for eternal peace and rest
Paul left a piece of him to anyone he spent time with his memories will last with us in our hearts and mind forever
Rest in peace dear friend Paul
Sincerely
Clayton Tapp and Deborah Brown Tapp
Barbara and all Paul’s family,,
Thoughts, prayers and condolences on Paul’s passing..
Joan Peddle
McLennon and family,
I met Paul in 1986, when I worked at Grenfell for a year. We were both counsellors that year and worked closely together. I enjoyed his company very much and have many fond memories of that year.
I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Paul.
Marie Donovan
Very sorry we were looking forward to seeing him this year he is now in heaven with Harry and Andrew and family lots of love to all the family
My sincere condolences to McLennon and family. I have known Paul since 1976, when I first started employment at Grenfell College. Over the years we became great friends and shared numerous chats, self-help sessions, many coffee breaks and fabulous meals at his former house across the bay. Paul was a multi-talented chef who really enjoyed his kitchen and cooking, as many will attest. For at least twelve years we also shared the responsible duty of Deputy Marshalls at the Grenfell Convocation, which many times resulted in a humorous story or a faux pas. His professional counselling skills and guidance helped me many times as I traipsed my way through a career and life. He is gone, but not forgotten.
McKennon,
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Paul’s passing. My thoughts are with you and Siann during this very difficult time.
I am sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. We met when I was teaching on the St John’s Campus of Memorial in the early 1970s and Paul was a graduate student soliciting my cooperation to administer a questionnaire in one of my first-year classes. A year or two later I encountered him outside the university where we worked separately on a campaign to elect a slate of reform candidates to the St. John’s Municipal Council. In 1975, I moved to the university’s newly established junior college in Corner Brook (later to be known as the Grenfell Campus) and Paul came to work there as a counsellor.
Over the years we collaborated from time to time on initiatives intended to help the college reach its full potential, especially ones that drew on Paul’s expertise in institutional analysis. He was a strong promoter of Grenfell’s development. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the institution’s evolving traditions, notably the annual Christmas Reading by the English Department. (Although he did not take part in the reading, for many years he thoughtfully advertised and introduced the event.) As a personal counsellor he was a strenuous advocate for students who ran afoul the rules and regulations of the university. And for many years he gave his time and energy to the faculty union (MUNFA) and the alumni association. He did good, and contributed significantly to Grenfell’s evolution into the institution it is today.
Sending sincere condolences to MacLennon and the whole family.
Mike & Hayley, we were so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing.
We met Paul a few years back, and very much enjoyed his company, and humour, “keeping Hayley’s moms wine glass full at all times”. What a guy for making one feel like he knew you for years.
Mike & Hayley you will certainly miss his visits to Port Blandford., keep his memories near to help you along during this difficult time. Hugs to both of you stay strong and safe.
Sending you and the Wilson family our condolences,,
CONDOLENCES TO PAUL’S FAMILY.. PAUL ENJOYED THE WEEKLY GROUP BRUNCH AND OUR OPEN DISCUSSION ON EVERYTHING I’LL MISS HIS NEXT DAY EMAILS ALWAYS SPOT ON..WE CALLED HIM THE “SCRIBE ” LOVED THE HUMOUR. R I P BUDDY. JOHN MCGREEVY
My condolences to Paul’s family and friends.
Paul was an acquaintance for only the last four years when he frequented to a weekly brunch event that collected a number of eclectic retirees. Paul fit right in, bringing insight and wisdom to the group. Always cheerful, funny at times, we will miss his candor.
Thanks for the friendship Paul.
Condolences to the family. We were good friends in the early Grenfell days.
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Condolences to the family.
. Condolenses to the Wilson family, relatives and friends. A well lived life. RIP…
My heart goes out to McLennon & Siann and all Paul’s family. Tears do not translate into text. Paul was my best friend for 38 years. We all will sorely miss him. But we can honour him by trying to seize every day as he would have wished, and seek to make it a diamond.
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the memories you shared.
so sorry for your loss our condolences and prayers are with you guys
Mclennon – I’m very sorry to learn that Paul passed. I work with him at Grenfell since 1976. I thought very highly of him. Sending condolences to you and your family.
Rest in peace my friend.
Shirley Greer
I am so very sorry for the whole family’s loss. I know Paul will be greatly missed. May all your wonderful memories help you through this very difficult time.